It's here, it's queer, get used to it. Yes, that Queer Nation slogan is old enough to be the Cockette grandpappy of those hot young hipster fairies clad in loincloths and gossamer wings, climbing the street lamps along Market Street. Yet somehow it still applies when it comes to SF Pride - whether you're a bright-eyed noob hankering to partake or a jaded cranko who regards everything below Market Street as a massive don't-go-there zone during this weekend's festivities.

Don't be that latter guy, gal or whatever your three-letter acronym of choice - Pride remains a groundbreaking institution as essential, lovable and inevitable as that other San Francisco treat: smartphones - which, by the way, you probably shouldn't rely on during Pride due to those inevitably jam-packed and overtaxed networks.

According to new Executive Director George Ridgely, last year's event saw about 1.8 million revelers during the two-day Civic Center celebration, with about 18,000 marching in the parade down Market. So it goes without saying that you'll need a tip or two to not only survive but thrive.

Come with a plan: Read up at www.sfpride.org for the latest, and know what you want to do and see. "There's so much going on that you'll want to schedule your day a little," Ridgely advises. That said, there's no harm in tweaking the sked if, say, Dykes on Bikes ends up feeling particularly awesome this year.

Natch, public transit is ne plus ultra way to get to the event - leave the hybrid at home, and take BART if you're coming from other parts of the Bay Area. But be aware - the cars are likely going to be packed party zones, so give yourself some wiggle room when it comes to getting to the celebration or parade (and be ready to wiggle when it comes to wrangling a space on board).

Figure out who or what you won't want to miss: After all, Pride provides - be it "Project Runway" hero Mondo Guerra grand-marshaling last year or breakout star Lady Gaga, giving her disco-stick scepter a workout on the main stage back in 2008. Ever newsworthy with its nod to Magic Johnson scion EJ and activist-author Janet Mock, this year's Pride provokes by naming Chelsea Manning as an honorary grand marshal.

Expect a little sumpin' for everyone on the main stage, from the reliably smart-mouthed Marga Gomez and "Queen" dance-floor duckies XELLE to club-pop vet Debby Holiday and local garage-rockers the She's. The VIP Party offers "X Factor" contestant Jason Brock.

Mix it up: "Take the time to see as much of the celebration at Civic Center as you can, instead of going to just one stage and staying there," Ridgely recommends. Be sure to check the pep - and the leg muscles of steel - at the Cheer San Francisco Stage.

Know when to take a load off: Sage advice for those fearing a full weekend of barking dogs and aching hips: Ridgely recommends getting to the Civic Center early on celebration days to find a spot for your blanket on the lawn because it fills up quickly. Also available for the parade is limited grandstand seating - it's still available at $35 (or on a sliding scale to those with accessibility needs).

Get off the grid: S.F. bubbles over with parties on Pride weekend, so even if the spanking soiree at Power Exchange isn't your cuppa, you might want to be schooled on hood history on Queen Dilly Dally's Castro Pub Crawl ( http://bit.ly/1uKw4V0), ring in the weekend with a Big Gay Birthday DJ set by MEN's JD Samson and drag performances by Peaches Christ and Honey Mahogany at Mezzanine ( http://bit.ly/UnkNPw), or round it all off with Ladytron's Reuben Wu and Lincoln Jesser at the Chapel ( http://bit.ly/1nkKcS4).

Use your festival common sense: You know the drill when it comes to music marathons, raves and whatnot: Stay hydrated, slather on sunscreen, wear a hat, and, Ridgely adds, "If you're going to drink, drink responsibly." Also, because cell service might be touch and go, he says, "I would recommend setting up rendezvous places with friends." Agoraphobic? Well, take a break on the sidelines or maybe retreat to the Clean and Sober Stage chill tent. Or simply prepare yourself for a major crush. It could be fun.

Get your look in order: This is the one exception to S.F. festival common-sensicles, which usually means wearing layers to ward off the incoming fog, because, for many, Pride is all about letting your rainbow-colored, tutu-lovin', leather-chapped, clothing-optional freak-flag fly. That doesn't mean certain social ostracism if you go in a random swag T and cargo shorts, but who wants to look so ... straight?

Pride at the Armory

Pride Nightlife

Heklina hosts an out of this world drag show in the Academy's weekly after-hours, adults only event with DJs, hands-on crafts; special exhibits in celebration of SF Pride. 6-10 p.m. Thurs. $10-$12. California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park, S.F. www.calacademy.org.